Holihan History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

There are many Irish surnames being used today in forms that are quite different than their original, ancient forms. Holihan originally appeared in Gaelic as O hUallachain, which is derived from the word "uallach," which means "proud."

Early Origins of the Holihan family

The surname Holihan was first found in Thomond (Irish: Tuadh Mumhan), literally North Thomond, the pre-Norman Kingdom of Thomond, since divided between counties Limerick, Tipperary and Clare, where they held a family seat from ancient times.

Early History of the Holihan family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Holihan research.Another 92 words (7 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Holihan History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Holihan Spelling Variations

Just like the English language, the Gaelic language of Ireland was not standardized in the Middle Ages. Therefore, one's name was often recorded under several different spellings during the life of its bearer. Spelling variations revealed in the search for the origins of the Holihan family name include Holohan, O'Holohan, Mulholland, Highland, Hoolohan, Houlihan, Hooligan, Whelton, Oulihan, Oulahen, Whoolahan and many more.

Early Notables of the Holihan family (pre 1700)

More information is included under the topic Early Holihan Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Holihan family to the New World and Oceana

Ireland became inhospitable for many native Irish families in the 19th centuries. Poverty, lack of opportunities, high rents, and discrimination forced thousands to leave the island for North America. The largest exodus of Irish settlers occurred with the Great Potato Famine of the late 1840s. For these immigrants the journey to British North America and the United States was long and dangerous and many did not live to see the shores of those new lands. Those who did make it were essential to the development of what would become two of the wealthiest and most powerful nations of the world. These Irish immigrants were not only important for peopling the new settlements and cities, they also provided the manpower needed for the many industrial and agricultural projects so essential to these growing nations. Immigration and passenger lists have documented the arrival of various people bearing the name Holihan to North America:

Holihan Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Catherine, Daniel, Kate, Mary, and Margaret Holihan, who settled in Boston in 1850

Holihan Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

Mary Holihan, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1839

Holihan Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Richard Holihan, aged 25, who arrived in Lyttelton, New Zealand aboard the ship "Blairgowrie" in 1875

Mary Holihan, aged 18, who arrived in Lyttelton, New Zealand aboard the ship "Blairgowrie" in 1875